​Almost one-third of Canadians say they feel tired on a constant basis or feel as if they aren’t getting enough sleep, making Canada one of the most sleep-deprived countries in the world. While physicians recommend at least 8 hours of sleep each night, over 30% of Canadian adults have reported that they get less than 6 hours of sleep, making sleep deprivation a leading cause of frequent visits to their doctor’s office.

​At Brentwood Medical Clinic in Burnaby, BC, Dr. Ali Ghahary recommends making simple lifestyle changes in order to help patients develop better sleeping habits; i.e.: establishing a routine and avoiding distractors such as television, and limiting late-night computer use. In some cases, however, medication may also be required. There are also several sleep clinics in Burnaby and around the Lower Mainland that your family physician may refer you to. These types of clinics can perform diagnostic testing and sleep monitoring, and are specifically designed to help patients find helpful sleep-management solutions.

Sleep deprivation can lead to serious health conditions such as heart disease, heart attack, heart failure, irregular heartbeat, stroke, and diabetes. As sleep also plays an important role in our ability to think, a disruption in your sleeping pattern can also significantly impair attention and alertness, concentration, and the ability to reason and problem-solve – affecting work and/or school performance. In addition, it can also have a negative effect on personal relationships by lowering libidos and causing those around us to also develop a low quality of sleep. Sleep deprivation can also cause skin problems. If you are not getting the recommended amount of sleep each night, a protein called collagen breaks down which makes your skin appear dull or lackluster as a result, as well as developing the appearance of fine lines and dark circles.

Causes of sleep deprivation vary. Stimulants such as caffeine and alcohol can make it difficult to fall asleep, especially if consumed during evening hours. Environmental factors such as extreme temperatures and loud neighbourhoods can also play a part in the ability to get a good night’s sleep. Influenza and other short-term illnesses can also play a part in the quality and quantity of sleep. However, sleep deprivation can also sometimes be voluntary. Individuals are often unaware that their body requires a higher demand of sleep, thus choosing to stay awake to partake in social activities or hobbies and severely restricting the amount of sleep they get. Sleep deprivation can also be a public safety hazard, causing car accidents or work injuries. In order to function properly on a day-to-day basis, you need adequate sleep.

Author

As a general practitioner in British Columbia, Dr. Ali Ghahary
draws on extensive experience in caring for children, adolescents,
adults, and seniors.